getting back to running after long hiatus

I was burnt out after high school and took a break from running for the past 4 years. I am trying to get back into running so I can train for a half marathon in the next few months. Any tips or suggestions for staying motivated after such a long break?

I'm in a very similar state right now. Exactly a year ago I finished my first and only marathon and since that I haven't been very serious about running. Now I feel more and more eager to get back on track but it's so hard. I mean, just a year ago I could really run and now I have to start again with short distances so I'm a bit disappointed in myself for giving up running. Hope to have all the motivation and I wish the same to you. I remember how much it helped when I was training for my marathon to read all the motivational stories and experiences, to watch videos and think and think about running goals. At least for me the last one is the key word, if I have a specific goal on my mind it's much easier to get myself to train.

I have ran a few times trying to get back into it but after a few times I would become discouraged. I realized my main motivation for always running was my races and so that is why I want to do a half marathon. If I have a race to train for I will run but if I don't have a race I likely will not. It is just so different on this side of it. I no longer have a team, a coach or even a friend to run with that can help keep me motivated. I am excited to restart again. Good luck to you too!

start slow and build gradually. I took a break from 2005 to 2011. When I returned to running I did it slowly doing run walk intervals. After 5 weeks I was able to do 5k without stopping, did my first HM 9 months later. then did a FM in nov. 2012 and have another marathon in a few days

I stopped running for 16 years, and could kick myself! Now that I'm beginning again, I use a running journal to motivate me. Although races are a great motivation, you can set small personal goals such as times and mileage. One thing I'm reminded of is that I am rewarded every time I run.

Find someone to run with. It helped me tremendously. I had surgery in 2010 and had to start small. I teamed up with my best friend in 2011 and in 2012 we ran a HM. She is hurt right now so I am running alone and I really see the difference of running with a partner.

My sister wants to run a race with me but can't do the one that I was planning on. My college roommate wants an excuse to keep running so she would run the one I want to do. The problem with running a race with either of them is that we don't live close to each other. I found a running group in my area that I would probably try to go to if I decide to train.

Right now my health is really discouraging me. I feel sick a lot of the time and been having tests done to try and figure out what is up. I am worried that if I sign up and try to train for this race that I will be unable to follow through because of the impact of my health on my ability to train. Thoughts?

What length of a race is it? Honestly, I'd start small with a race, even if you deem it "too easy". A start's a start. A community 5k might help you get back in the game of training, but without that pressure of Must Compete At All Costs, if that makes sense.

Also, I train virtually by posting here and on another FB group. Only at races do I usually have a friend or acquaintance running with me, and even then we're at our own speeds. Just knowing they're out there in the same crowd I am is help enough.

Well, if you don't want, you don't have to be dependent on anybody else but you. People are different, for some running together is great part of motivation, for others - like me running is that time when to be alone and have time for myself. I kindly advise you not to be afraid to stay one on one with yourself while running. Yes, in this case it would mean you have search for other motivation than people around you or races. Something with bigger meaning for yourself. I mean, it would be wonderful to ask yourself what it is that makes running so special for you and go with it. Running events, new shoes or mileage you have reached are more like good side effects, stopover points on your way. Motivation is your fuel, something that keeps you going on.

May I ask, what kind of sickness is it? Listen to yourself carefully, if it feels serious you should see the doctor. It's also possible your mind is playing tricks on yourself just not to be bothered with changing something in your life. Have you been through a lot of stress recently?

I have had some digestive issues for awhile. Since October I have been having pain right below my ribcage on my right side. I have been through a ringer of tests from my regular doctor who believes there is something wrong but pretty much let me fall through the cracks after tests came back negative. More recently I set up an appointment with a GI specialist and have had some more tests done but still have no answers. So to answer your question I don't really know what sickness is it but I am trying to figure it out because it has made me miserable for 2-3 years and it is getting worse.

I probably will start small with a 5k because there are plenty and I wouldn't necessarily have to pre-register. My ultimate goal is a half-marathon but like I said I am worried that my health will prevent me from being able to train and run it at this point.

Oh, I really hope things get better for you, and you can find your stride in all aspects of life. It's never easy being the one sick or watching someone who is sick. That's my biggest motivation for running.It makes me feel good like I've actually accomplished something and it helps me put aside some of the heavier things on my mind,, even if it's only 20 minutes of strong running. I'd like to run with a partner but don't know many runners. So I run alone during the day when I feel brave and listen to music that really helps set my pace, otherwise I'm in the gym pushing my self the best I can on the treadmill. I think the key to staying motivated is remembering all the reasons you started in the first place, even if it's just about doing something for yourself.

I have had some digestive issues for awhile. Since October I have been having pain right below my ribcage on my right side. I have been through a ringer of tests from my regular doctor who believes there is something wrong but pretty much let me fall through the cracks after tests came back negative. More recently I set up an appointment with a GI specialist and have had some more tests done but still have no answers. So to answer your question I don't really know what sickness is it but I am trying to figure it out because it has made me miserable for 2-3 years and it is getting worse.

I probably will start small with a 5k because there are plenty and I wouldn't necessarily have to pre-register. My ultimate goal is a half-marathon but like I said I am worried that my health will prevent me from being able to train and run it at this point.

I had acid reflux. With the right food and exercise, i.e., running, I no longer have it. I did not have pain in my right rib cage but this can be a symptom of it. You are on the right track to go to a GI person.

That is a very interesting article. Since going to the GI specialist I have been on protonix and that has greatly helped with the constant nausea that I was having. I just had a second endoscopy done and they biopsied three different areas. Unlike the article my doctor did say that one of the second round tests he had done did show a very small abnormality but he didn't think it would lead to anything. Though the nausea is gone, the pain that randomly comes is not. When I had the endoscopy the doctor said if nothing showed he might do another HIDA scan (because where I had my first tests done is not very credible, we have learned) and also some sort of GI study (I don't remember the name because I was sedated and in recovery when he talked about it).

I am looking up some 5k's to try because they are generally cheaper and if I can't do it I won't be quite as mad with myself. Hopefully this doesn't keep me down, because I really want to run again.

I can't help but ask if you have had your gallbladder checked. It can cause a host of GI issues and often is not up for consideration in young women as the source. You need more than just an ultrasound to look for stones but also a study to check for the actual functioning of the gallbladder. Your age makes the gallbladder less likely but in light of no other findings that would explain this chronic problem, that is getting worse, it might be worth consideration.

That is a very interesting article. Since going to the GI specialist I have been on protonix and that has greatly helped with the constant nausea that I was having. I just had a second endoscopy done and they biopsied three different areas. Unlike the article my doctor did say that one of the second round tests he had done did show a very small abnormality but he didn't think it would lead to anything. Though the nausea is gone, the pain that randomly comes is not. When I had the endoscopy the doctor said if nothing showed he might do another HIDA scan (because where I had my first tests done is not very credible, we have learned) and also some sort of GI study (I don't remember the name because I was sedated and in recovery when he talked about it).

I am looking up some 5k's to try because they are generally cheaper and if I can't do it I won't be quite as mad with myself. Hopefully this doesn't keep me down, because I really want to run again.

I will keep you in my prayers. It really stinks to be consistently uncomfortable and in pain. Follow up on the suggestion that Rhonda_Runs made. It bears investigating the gallbladder.

I can't help but ask if you have had your gallbladder checked. It can cause a host of GI issues and often is not up for consideration in young women as the source. You need more than just an ultrasound to look for stones but also a study to check for the actual functioning of the gallbladder. Your age makes the gallbladder less likely but in light of no other findings that would explain this chronic problem, that is getting worse, it might be worth consideration.

Hope you feel better soon!

That was what my primary physician believed to be the problem. The first time I had a bout of severe pain I had an ultrasound and a HIDA scan to check gallbladder function then an endoscopy to check for stomach ulcers. Then the second bout of severe pain I had a CT scan and was sent to a surgeon that basically told me he wouldn't cut me open because it wasn't conclusively my gallbladder and he didn't want to cut me open and not fix the problem. After that I sought out the GI specialist because my primary doctor stopped trying. So here I am. Hopefully it will get figured out so that running and other daily activities can be completed normally and pain-free.

I can't help but ask if you have had your gallbladder checked. It can cause a host of GI issues and often is not up for consideration in young women as the source. You need more than just an ultrasound to look for stones but also a study to check for the actual functioning of the gallbladder. Your age makes the gallbladder less likely but in light of no other findings that would explain this chronic problem, that is getting worse, it might be worth consideration.

Hope you feel better soon!

That was what my primary physician believed to be the problem. The first time I had a bout of severe pain I had an ultrasound and a HIDA scan to check gallbladder function then an endoscopy to check for stomach ulcers. Then the second bout of severe pain I had a CT scan and was sent to a surgeon that basically told me he wouldn't cut me open because it wasn't conclusively my gallbladder and he didn't want to cut me open and not fix the problem. After that I sought out the GI specialist because my primary doctor stopped trying. So here I am. Hopefully it will get figured out so that running and other daily activities can be completed normally and pain-free.

I like running.But I stopped running for 4 years, and could kick myself! Now that I'm beginning again, I use a running journal to motivate me. One thing I'm reminded of is that I am rewarded every time I run.

I love watching para-Olympics on youtube for inspiration. Also, when I get out there and meet runners who are really overweight or blind people riding tandems it inspires me a lot, i feel like hugging them :-) I have so much respect for anyone who dresses up in sports gear and get in their running shoes no matter how fast or slow they train. But what does the work well are three words: JUST DO IT

Congrats to you for getting back into running! Some advice from me: find a beginners plan (google Hal Higdon or cool running) and stick to it. They build you up slowly but surely. Don't build up your mileage too quick, just enjoy the journey of running and how it makes you feel. Finally, if you can find a friend or someone to run with you, it makes things more enjoyable and you can share you goals together. Good luck!

Just get back out there. Running is addictive. I have always been a runner but my level of commitment and mileage is variable. I agree with what some others have said that racing keeps your motivated and accountable to your running. I am currently going through a heavy running time and am motivated enough to check in on these blogs and post but after a few months its likely based on my past that my running will dip. Best of luck on running again!